Although I have friends that are professional photographers, I am definately considering students as second shooters. I think most photography students at least have started a portfolio, and as long as you can check it out, you’ll probably both get a great deal.

My wedding is going to be a budget event as well, and I’m probably going to utilize craigslist for a lot of things. Good luck!

We are not using a student photographer but a young professional who is just starting his business and he desperately needs to build up his portfolio. He only charges $600 to do a wedding. But since we only need him for 2 hours (not the first wedding for either one of us and we are not having a traditional reception), we are only being charged $200. This includes his work for 2 hours and editing of 25 shots. For an additional $50, we are getting a CD with all the raw shots and the copyright will be transferred to us. And since my MOH is an expert with Adobe Photoshop, she can edit the pics herself.

If you go this route, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to check out their portfolios to make sure you like their style! We did and this young photgrapher is good, very edgy. While we will have some of the traditional shots, we are looking forward to some very unique pictures!

I think the biggest regret most of my friends have told me is they didn’t spend enough on photography and either asked a friend or student to do it, only to have glares on the brides face not to mention pictures that did not turn out on a nighttime setting.

I would try to negotiate with as many people as you can. You’d be suprised how flexible some photographers are, especially if they are desperate and only do photography for a living.

I’ve tried Yelp as well to help in my search for many answers. It’s great!

We found that some newer photographers were more flexible with their prices and what their packages include. Also, after being in many other weddings I honestly think the most important thing is finding someone who you actually LIKE…you’ll feel more comfortable and they’ll be more likely to shoot photos you love.

hi! i found nora bohanon and she seems absolutely wonderful! she charges $800 for 8 hours–all locations and her online portfolio looks really great. she also travels to iowa from chicago free of charge! check out her sitehttp://www.norabohanon.com/